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Welcome to Varied Expressions of Worship

Welcome to Varied Expressions of Worship

This blog will be written from an orthodox Christian point of view. There may be some topic that is out of bounds, but at present I don't know what it will be. Politics is a part of life. Theology and philosophy are disciplines that we all participate in even if we don't think so. The Bible has a lot to say about economics. How about self defense? Is war ethical? Think of all the things that someone tells you we should not touch and let's give it a try. Everything that is a part of life should be an expression of worship.

Keep it courteous and be kind to those less blessed than you, but by all means don't worry about agreeing. We learn more when we get backed into a corner.

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Opus 2013-271: Cornerstone Considerations: Is Slavery Illegal?

One of the popular beliefs in the United States is that slavery is illegal. For all practical purposes that is the case but it isn’t as clear as you might believe. In referring to the end of slavery people refer to the 13th Amendment to the Constitution. What they have not done is read it with their mind turned on. Let me refresh your memory.

“Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime, whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.”

Does this make slavery illegal? Do you need to read it again? No, it does not. It simply restricts the parameters. Slavery could still be a punishment for crime.

I am not a lawyer. I would assume that the courts have interpreted this to mean that slavery is illegal, but that is not what it says. It would not take much of a stretch to re-authorize it as a punishment for crime. The real problem comes when the political classes designate what crimes can lead to enslavement. Think of all the special cases they could establish to silence their political opponents.